ISSN:
1573-7640
Keywords:
Computer graphics
;
fractals
;
stochastic models
;
parallel rendering
;
ray tracing
;
MIMD
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Computer Science
Notes:
Abstract Fractal surfaces are a sueful modeling technique for terrain in computer graphics. Although an algorithm exists for ray tracing (Mandelbrot) fractal surfaces, the technique is computationally very expensive. The large degree of parallelism inherent in the problem suggests the use of parallel architectures for generating these images. We describe a parallel rendering algorithm for shared memory MIMD machines which takes advantage of image coherence to reduce computation. This algorithm has, on a Sequent Balance 2100 with 20 processors, demonstrated a near-linear speedup. We examine the possible synchronization bottlenecks by statically assigning different numbers of CPUs to sections of the screen.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01379322
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